Water control devices



Dec. 6, 1955 Filed Feb. 15, 1952 S. MAMOLI WATER CONTROL DEVICES 2 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR. SPAR TACO MA MOLI Dec. 6, 1955 s. MAMOLI WATER CONTROL DEVICES 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Feb. 13, 1952 INVENTOR. SPARTACO MAN 0 L United States Patent Office 2,725,894 Patented Dec. 6, 1955 WATER CONTROL DEVICES Spartaco Mamoli, Milan, Italy Application February 13, 1952, Serial No. 271,327 Claims priority, application Italy February 16, 1951 4 Claims. 137-364!) This invention relates to an improved water control device which can be used in lieu of ordinary faucets, and more particularly it relates to a new and improved device which can be advantageously used as cold and warm water control means in modern plumbing systems and in rather more detail in water supply fixtures of bath rooms and the like.

One object of this invention is to provide a new and improved water control device comprising push-button type control means which are easy and safe to operate and which are so small that the madness of 'a bath-room is not affected.

Another objector" this invention is to provide .a new and improved water controlling means adapted to be coupled to water pipe-lines encased beneath 'the wall plaster, according to modern practice of plumbing 'fiX- ture installation.

Still another object of this'invention is to provide a new and improved device of the above character and in which few and relatively simple parts are comprised, and more particularly which is carried on by a combination of few standard sized and constructed operative parts and of relatively inexpensive parts which may be constructed in harmony with the bath-room outfittings and general appearance.

A further object of this invention is .to provide a new and improved water control device which maybe readily installed or replaced without the use of special tools and, in more detail, without any breaking oif of wall plaster or other damage to the general outfitting of the bath room.

Another object of this invention is to provide a new and improved water control device comprising parts designed to facilitate the installation of water supply and delivery pipe-lines, and enable said pipe-lines to be readily coupled to the operative devices of the assembly, without requiring precise -center-to-center measurements and other requirements of like character well known in plumbing workmanship, particularly in case of modern plumbing installations in which wall enc'asing of pipe-lines is comprised.

According to this invention, I attain the above said objects substantially by the provision of a device comprising, in combination, a frame member designed to be at least in ,part encased in a conventionally,plastercd Wall, and provided with coupling means for connecting said frame member to at least two pipe-line :ends, a valve assembly designed to becontained, in said frame member and having inlet and outlet openings provided with coupling means and designed to be positioned in said frame member so that said inlet and outlet openings face said pipene ends and are connectable thereto, a cover member resigned to close said frame member nearly on the plane of the walls plastered surface, push-button members movably supported by and through said cover memher, and means for connecting said push-button members to said valve assembly so as to have the valve devices comprised in said valve assembly controlled by acting on said push-button members.

In rather more detail, in a preferred embodiment of my invention, I provide a pair of co-opera'ting push-button members for acting on any one valve device comprised insa'id valve assembly, the said valve device being proone of which 'is positioned in contactingrela'tionship with one of said push-button members, so that said valve device may be opened or closed by pushing the one or respectively the other one of said push-button members.

Further, in a preferred form of embodiment of my coupling means of the 'valve assembly, as the latter is positioned into said frontally open box.

Still further, in a preferred embodiment as above, the cover member is constructed in form of an apertured plate ly open box, and to movably support, by "means of the holes, the said push-button members, in an "operative contacting relationship with the opposite ends of said valve devices swing-bar.

One most preferred form of construction designed to carry out the invention, and which has been found wall.

Figure 3 is partly a plan view and partly a cross-sectional view taken on line 33 of Figure 2, of the assembly comprising one form of embodiment of the valve devices and forming part of the combination illustrated in Figure l.

respectively 6 6 of Figure 4.

Throughout he several figures, numeral 10 indicates Referring first to Figure 1; in the most preferred form of embodiment shown, I provide a frame member 10 in having major side walls 11 and minor side walls 12. The said box-shaped frame member shown is designed to cooperate with a valve assembly provided with two valve devices, for coupling through controlling means a cold water supply line and a warm water supply line to a single cold, or warm, or mixed water delivery pipeline which can deliver said water to a plain water delivery mouth suitably positioned over the basin of a bathingtub, or of a wash-stand, or to a shower, and so on.

Therefore, the major wall 11 of said frontally open box is provided with two openings in which the ends of two cold and respectively heated water supply pipe-lines 13 and 14 may be fixedly connected, and the said minor wall 12 of same box is provided with an opening in which the end of a water delivery pipe-line 15 may be likewise connected. The end portions 17 and respectively 18 and 19 of said pipe-lines (the latter may be seen in Figure 2 only) are in part located in the interior 16 of said box shaped member 10, for connection of same with the valve assembly which will be described in more detail as this description proceeds, and said end portions are suitably threaded for said connection. The same end portions may be fixedly connected to said side walls 11 and 12 by any suitable means, by screwing same into said side walls, for example, or said walls may be provided with nipples, or straight coupling or other union means of current type known in the art of plumbing.

A construction as shown can however be used for coupling through controlling means one cold or warm or mixed water supply line to two water delivery lines, if desired, for supplying two different water delivery mouths, for example.

In case that the device embodying my invention is to be designed for having a valve assembly comprising one valve device (for control of cold water only, for example) or comprising more than two valve devices (for controlling the water supplied to more than one water delivery mouth, for example) the said frame member 10 may be differently shaped, in a substantially square shape, or in more elongated rectangular shape respectively, for example, according to the number and to the relative positions of the several pipe-line ends to be connected to said member 10.

In the same embodiment, the valve assembly 20 is constructed substantially in form of a doubled straight T coupling means of the type known in the art, and it is so dimensioned that as it is properly positioned into said interior 16 of the described frame member 10 its inlet and outlet openings are in coaxial relationship with said end portions of said pipe-lines 13, 14 and 15 respectively. For coupling said openings with the said end portions in said respective co-axial relationship, I provide the said valve assembly 10 with conventional union nuts 21, 22 and 23.

In the body of said valve assembly 20 two suitable valve devices are located, said valve devices being designed and arranged for controlling the inlet passages, the inlet openings of which are provided with said union nuts 21 and 22. Any suitable type of valve device may be incorporated in said valve assembly, provided that the full open-to-closed action of same is preferably exerted by rotating a control shaft within a small angular movement. Upon said provision, the respective control shafts of said valve devices may be connected at their outer ends with swing-bars 24 and 25.

The device shown is further provided, according to the above said basic combination of parts, with a cover plate 26, dimensioned to fit on the said frontally open box 10 in abutting relationship with the side wall edges thereof. Conventional screws or other suitable means may be provided for fixedly connecting said cover plate 26 to said box member 10. Push-button members 27, 28, 29 and 30 are movably supported through said cover plate 26, the latter being preferably provided withan extension 44 through which the said push-button members are properly borne and guided in a fixed axial path. Furthe any one of said push-button members is provided with an axially extending bar 31 and respectively 32, 33 and 34, directed beneath said plate member 26.

The said push-button members 27, 28, 29 and 30 are arranged in a row and positioned in respect to said plate 26 so that as the latter is properly positioned in its covering position on said box member 10, in which the valve assembly 20 has previously been installed, the ends of said extending bars 31, 32, 33 and 34 are put in abutting relationship with one end of said swing-bars 24 and 25 and, more particularly, each one of pair 31 and 32 of said extending bars abuts on one end of swing-bar 24 and likewise the other two extending bars 33 and 34 abut on the ends of the other swing-bar 25.

Further, I provide the described preferred embodiment of my invention with an auxiliary cover plate 40, which is constructed in form of a simple squared flat member, provided with an elongated hole 43 through which said extension 44 of cover plate 26 may be freely inserted, suitable means, a pair of screws 45 and 46 for example, being provided for fixedly connecting said auxiliary plate 40 to the underlying cover plate 26.

Referring now to Figure 2: supposing that the described device embodying this invention is to be applied as controlling means of a plunbing fixture in which pipelines are located under the plaster of a conventional wall 42, in said wall a hollow 41 is drawn out and the said box shaped frame member 10 is fit into said hollow 41 before completion of setting of the encased pipe-lines. Upon fitting of said box member 10, the said setting of pipe-lines is completed according to current practice of plumbing fixture installation, and the ends of said pipeline are fitted and fixedly connected to the side walls of said box member 10, as above stated. The presence of said box member 10 makes unnecessary center-to-center measurements for proper placing of said pipes in view of the connection thereof to the valve devices, the mere fitting on same into the said side walls of said box member assuring the required relative positions.

Then the described valve assembly 26 is introduced into the interior 16 of said box member 10, until its inlet and outlet openings face the respective pipe-lines and portions, and then all said couplings are made fast by turning on tightly the said union nuts 21, 22 and 23.

Upon completion of the above operations, the cover member 26 is then positioned in its covering position on said box shaped member 10 and made fast thereto. Performing of said operations brings the device into position for operation.

The preferred use of the said auxiliary plate 40 makes unnecessary any other finishing jobs, plastering of the hollow 41, for example. To this end, I provide the auxiliary plate 40 of some greater dimension than the said box shaped frame member 10 and therefore than said hollow 41; by simple placing of said auxiliary plate 40 in the position shown in Figure 2 the said hollow 41 is wholly concealed, and the appearance of the device is made neater owing to the fact that the outer portion of extension 44 and the push-button heads may be seen only.

Further, it will be readily understood that the application of said auxiliary plate 40 allows one to construct and install operative parts of sturdy contruction and of rough external appearance, in consideration of said concealing, the only surface which must be neatly machined and finished being the said extension 44 and the said push-buttons. For example, said extension may be chromium plated, or lacquered, and the said push-buttons may advantageously be made of plastics, and moreover they may be made of different colors for readily distinguishing the ones for controlling warm water from the others controlling cold water, and/ or for distinguishing the ones to be pushed for having the water delivered from the other or having it shut off, for example.

Still further, the said auxiliary plate 40 may be made of different color or material, in accordance with :the bathroom 'outfittings, plastering or furniture. .For example, the said plate 40 may be made by making a hole 43 in one of the brick-plates used for coating the bath-room walls.

Supposing that the valve assembly must be removed, for example for having .it repaired, this may readily be done by simply removing :said auxiliary plate and said cover member 26 and by turning off the :said union nuts 21, 22 and 23, without damageto ithetplaster or masonry, and the device may be reassembled in arlike manner.-

In the accompanying drawings, Figures 3, 4, and 6 show how the said valve assembly 26 comprised in "a device according to this invention and'ithe valve devices comprised therein .may be constructed. With reference to said figures: the said valve 'assemblycompris'es a body member having a longitudinal tubular portion 50 and two parallel tubular cross portions 51 and 52, one end of any one of which comprises one inlet opening provided with said union nuts 21 and respectively 22, and one end of said longitudinal portions 50 comprising the outlet opening provided with .said union nut 23. The valve devices are arranged in said cross portions 51 and 52 and they are designed to open and to close passages between said inlet openings and the inner passage 53 of said longitudinal portion 50, communicating with said outlet opening, and further designed to be controlled by axially arranged in said cross portions 51 and 52 and extending outside the ends thereof opposite to the ends having the said union nuts 21 and 22, for connection of the inner movable 'va'lv'e parts with said swing-bars 24 and respectively 25.

In said Figure '3 the valve device comprised in said portion 52 is shown in sectional view, Ithe device in portion 51 being not shown in consideration of the fact that the two valve devices are made in like manner and cornprise like parts in a like arrangement. Said device comprises a plug member 54 in axial arrangement in respect to the edge of a passage member 57 having an axial passageway 58 forming the inlet opening and having an out-turned flange 59 to which the said union nut 22 is locked. The said plug member 54 is of outer crosssectional polygonal shape and is slidably but not rotatively supported into a part 55 of portion 52, of corresponding internal cross-sectional shape. The head surface of said plug member 54 is provided with a gasket 56 of rubber, plastic or other material of like character for actuating a Water-tight closure as said plug member 54 is axially urged in abutting relationship with the edge of said passage member 57, and the opposite end of same plug member 54 is provided with helical surfaces 60.

The said helical surfaces 60 of said plug member 54 co-operate with axially counterposed helical surfaces 61 provided on the head inner portion of a control shaft provided in said swing-bar 25, an head screw 64 being provided for making fast said swing-bar to said outer end 63 of said control shaft 62. Further, said control shaft 62 is supported but not axially movable into a tubular member 65 threadably connected to said portion 52 of the valve assembly body, and comprising an annular gasket 66 encircling the stem of said control shaft 62, for

gasket 66 by means of threads of an annular nut 68 threaded about the said portion 52 at its end opposed to the end in which the said inlet passage member 57 is fitted. All the above said parts and members are arranged in co-axial relationship with each other.

From the above, taken in conjunction with Figures 3 to 6, it will be readily understood that by rotating clockwise the said swing-bar 25, rotation of said control shaft 62 will cause its helical surfaces 61 to cooperate with helical surfaces 60 of said plug member 54 (which cannot rotate into :said apart 55 (of the assembly body but axially move therein only) for urging the the head end of water supplied through the supply pipe-line coupled to said Jpassage by said union nut 22, i. -e. it will allow said water to flo'w inside passage 53 to the delivery line coupled to the outlet opening by said union nut 23.

While the embodiment applied for carrying out this invention.

Moreover, while I have described and shown in the foregoing disclosure and in the accompanying drawing but one form of embodiment of my invention, given for 'clearness of understanding only, no unnecessary of my invention, as claims.

What I claim as new and desire to have protected by Letters Patent is:

1. A valve arrangement, comprising, in combination, a supporting unit composed of a hollow casing body open on its top, and supply and delivery port means opening into the interior of said hollow casing body; a combined conduit and valve unit composed of conduit means arranged in the interior of said hollow casing body and in one direction, and to open the same when turned in the opposite direction; and an actuating unit composed of a pair or" manually operable reciprocating means arranged projecting into the interior of said hollow cason said hollow casing body, whereby one of said pair of said reciprocating means operates to close said valve means and the other of said pair operates to open said valve means.

turned in one direction, turned in the opposite direction;

ing and cover unit composed of a cover member fitting on the open top of said hollow casing body, a pair of manually operable reciprocating means mounted on said cover member arranged projecting into the interior of said hollow casing body for abutment with opposite ends of said rockable lever means and actuation of the same without being connected therewith, and attaching means for detachably mounting said cover member together with said reciprocating means on the open top of said hollow casing body, simultaneously closing said casing body and locating said reciprocating means engaging said lever means which is a part of said combined conduit and valve unit, whereby one of said pair of said reciprocating means operates to close said valve means and the other of said pair operates to open said valve means.

3. A valve arrangement comprising, in combination, a hollow casing; a pair of supply port means and delivery port means opening into the interior of said hollow casing; conduit means in said hollow casing between said pair of supply port means and said delivery port means detachably connected to each of the same; a pair of valve means turnably mounted in said conduit means; actuating means for said valve means including rockable lever means connected to each of said valve means for turning the same; and a pair of manually operable reciprocating means mounted on said casing for rocking said rockable lever means, each manually operable reciprocating means comprising a pair of push button means projecting into said hollow casing for abutment with opposite ends of the rockable lever means of the respective valve means and actuation of the same without being connected therewith, whereby one of said pair of push button means of each reciprocating means operates to close its respective valve means and the other of said pair operates to open its respective valve means.

4. A valve arrangement comprising, in combination, a supporting unit composed of a hollow casing body open on its top, and supply and delivery port means opening into the interior of said hollow casing body; a combined conduit and valve unit composed of conduit means arranged in the interior of said hollow casing body and extending between said supply and delivery port means, means for detachably connecting said conduit means to both said port means, valve means mounted on said conduit means and rockable lever means forming part of said valve means for turning the same, said rockable lever means operating to close said valve means when turned in one direction, and to open the same when turned in the opposite direction; and a combined actuat ing and cover unit composed of a cover member fitting on the open top of said hollow casing body, a pair of push button means mounted on said cover member arranged projecting into the interior of said hollow casing body for abutment with opposite ends of said rockable lever means and actuation of the same without being connected therewith, and attaching means for detachably mounting said cover member together with said push button means on the open top of said hollow casing body, simultaneously closing said casing body and locating said push button means engaging said rockable lever means which is a part of said combined conduit and valve unit, whereby one of said pair of said push button means operates to close said valve means and the other of said pair operates to open said valve means.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 

